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Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF SOMERSET. Page 1 of 2 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF SOMERSET. Page 1 of 2 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF SOMERSET. Page 1 of 2 →
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Provincial Grand Lodge Of Somerset.
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF SOMERSET .
On Friday week a large and influential meeting of Freemasons took place in Bridgwater , which was this year selected for the holding of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Somerset , under the banner of the Lodge of Perpetual Friendship ( No . 135 ) , the head quarters of which are established at the Royal Clarence Hotel . The
Town Hall was handsomely and elaborately fitted up as a lodge-room , chiefly under the direction of the W . M . ( Brother J . C . Hunt ) and I . P . M . ( Bro . G . Ricks ) , of the above-named lodge . The services of Messrs . Davis and Son , Fore-street , Mr . Willi ? , St . Mary-strcct , who erected a fountain in the centre of the hall , and Mr . S . Dyer , nurseryman , who lent a large number of shrubs , feins ,
& c ., and other tradesmen , were called into requisition , and their contributions and workmanship , combined with the use of the Masonic shields belonging to the Bridgwater Lodge , and the banners of the respective lodges in the province , served to make the decorations very pretty and effective . At the rear of the platform were a splendid portrait of H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , the M . W . Grand
Master of England , and beautiful views of the Royal Masonic Institutions for Boys and Girls . In anticipation oE the visit of the M . W . the Rig ht Hon . Earl of Carnarvon , Pro Grand Master of England ( Provincial Grand Master ' , there was a large muster , and most of the distinguished brethren in the province , including the present as well as the past P . G . Officers , were present . To the
great disappointment of the brethren , however , his lordship did not attend the meeting , Lord Donoughmore , the Senior Grand Warden of England , being the bearer of a letter expressive of the deep regret experienced by his lordship at his inability to be present , a pressure of his official engagements preventing it . The lodge was opened at half nast one o ' clock under the able
presidency of Brother It . C . Else , the V . W . D . P . G . M ., who was supported on his right by Lord Donoughmore , the S . G . W . of England , and Bro . S . Geo . Homfray , the D . P . G . M . of Monmouthshire . The whole of the seats in the body of the hall , as well as on the temporary platform which had been constructed , were cccupied , the brethren of the various lodges being ranged under their respective
banners . The present officers of the P . G . Lodge in attendance were Bros . S . W . Preston ( Bath ) , P . G . S . W . ; A . Perkins ( Wells ) , P . G . J . W .-, Robert C . Bailey , P . G , Chaplain ; E . Turner Payne ( Bath ) , P . G . Treasurer ; W . Cox , P . G . Registrar ; F . R . Prideaux ( Bridgwater ) , P . M . 291 , P . G . Secretary ; W . H . May , P . M . 135
( Bridgwater ) , P . G . S . D . ; J . A . Bright , P . G . S . Works ; R . Baker , P . G . Dir . Cer . ; P . S . Saunders , P . Assist . G . D . C . ; W . Long , P . G . S . B . ; Albert Down , P . G . O . ; W . Channing ( Taunton ) , P . G . Pursuivant ; W . Woodward ( Burnham ) , P . G . Tyler ; A . J . Salter , P . Assist . G . Tyler ; George Ricks and R . Treliving ( Bridgwater ) ; II . ]' . Tayler , and A . W . Butley , P . G . Stwds .
1 he other brethren present included representatives of lhe following lodges : —Royal Cumberland , Bath , No . 41 ; Royal Sussex , Bath , No . 53 ; Perpetual Friendship , Bridgwater , No . 135 ; Unanimity and Sincerity , Taunton , No . 2 G 1 ; Love and Honour , Shepton Mallet , No . 285 ; Rural Philanthropic , Highbvidgc , No . 291 ; Brotherly Love , Yeovil , No .
329 ; Lodge of Honour , Bath , No . 379 ; Lodge of Science , Wincanton , No . 437 ; Benevolent Lodge , Wells , No . . ( 4 ( 1 ; Pilgrims , Glastonbury , No . 772 : Parret and Axe , Crcwkcrnc , No . 814 ; Royal Albert Edward , Weston , No . 906 ; Royal Somerset , Frome , No . 973 ; Royal Clarence , Bruton , No . 97 6 ; Nyanza , Ilminster , No . UQ 7 ; Lodge of Agriculture , Congresbury , No .
111 ) 9 ; St . Kew , Weston-Super-Mare , No . 1222 ; Vale of Bridlington , No . 1296 . Amongst the brethren present , who attended as visitors , not belonging to any lodge in the province , were Bros . Rev . George Knowling , P . M . 189 , P . G . Chaplain ( Devon ); George T . Pain , P ' . J . G . D . No . 410 ; J . McGowan , Nova Scotia ; Alexander Baily , jun ., No . 444 ; Percy
P . Hunt , 493 ; and A . Pratt , P . M . No . 22 . A choral party , under the conouctorship oi Brother C . Lucttte ( choir master of St . Mary ' s , Bridgwater ) , took up a position upon the platform , behind the seat of the P . G . S . W ., and was composed of the following brethren : —Bros Drayton ( vicar ' s choral at Wells Cathedral ) , Dr . Winterbotham , I-I . W . Baltcn , J . Parker , J . Treliving ,
W . L . Leng and G . Bond ( Bridgwater ) , J . Hutscn ( East Brent ) , and Jas . Turlc , Taunton . Brother W . Bayley Marshall , of Bridgwater , Organist of "the Rural Philanthropic , " No . 291 , presided at his own harmonium with great ability , and the anthems , & c ., ( in which Brother Drayton took part of bass solo ) , were effectively rendered . Brother Else , the V . W . D . P . G . M ., in opening the lodge ,
expressed the regret he was sure they all experienced that the Earl of Carnarvon , AI . W . Provincial Grand Master of Somerset , had been prevented from attending , and read the letter just received from his lordship , who stated that it was with the greatest regret he was unable to be present , and that public business of an important nature detained him in London , but that he indulged the hope
that he might have an opportunity , later in the year , of visiting his brethren in the province . Lord Donoughmore , having been introduced by the D . P . G . M ., explained that he had been requested by the Earl of Carnarvon to attend for the purpose of further expressing the sincere regret felt by his lordship in being unexpectedly , at the last moment , detained in town ; and remarked that he could readily understand the
disappointment they all felt m consequence . The lodge having been duly opened , Brother F . R . Prideaux , P . G . Secretary , called over the roll of the lodges in the province , nineteen in number , and fnnnd they were all represented . The Prov . G . Secretary next read the minutes of the rov . G . Lodge held al Wells , on the Otli September , last ar , and they were confirmed and signed .
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Somerset.
Brother E . T . Payne ( P . G . Treasurer ) next read a statement of accounts for the past year , showing a balance in hand amounting to £ 170 is iod . The correctness of these accounts having been certified by bro . Perkins , P . G . J . W ., who , with other brethren , had audited them , they were received and adopted on the proposition of Brother Inskip , seconded by Brother Wm .
Cox . Bro . Bartrum ( Bath ) suggested that the P . G . Lodge should pay the expenses of its meetings , instead of these being thrown upon the lodge established in the town they met in . The matter was briefly discussed , and attention drawn to the fact that it could not be entertained , inasmuch as no notice had been given of it on the agenda
paper . Bro . Stothert ( Bath ) said his experience was that all lodges esteemed it a high honour that the P . G . Lodge should be held under their banner . ( Hear hear ' . ) The subject then dropped . On the motion of Bro . Perkins , P . G . J . W ., seconded by Bro . Meyler ( Taunton ) , it | was resolved that such a sum as might be necessary to increase the funded property of
the province to the sum of £ 450 should be devoted out of the balance in the Treasurer ' s hands . On the motion of Bro . Perkins , seconded by Bro . Payne it was also resolved that tha sum of ten guineas be en ' trusted to the hands of such brethren as would serve the province in the office of Stewards in the three Masonic charities during the ensuing year , as a donation from the
Provincial Grand Lodge . The D . P . G . M . having declared all offices vacant , Bro . Inskip proposed , and Bio . Dr . Woodforde seconded , the re-election of Bro . E . T . Payne as Prov . G . Treasurer . They both expressed trie indebtedness of the lodge to Bro . Payne for the valuable services he had rendered in that capacity for so many years , and the D . P . G . M . in
submitting the resolution , said it would be perfectly impossible to elect any brother more competent to discharge the arduous and responsible duties than their highly-esteemed Biri . Payne , whose re-election was agreed to with acclamation . Bro . Payne , in acknowledging the compliment , said he had been elected unanimously to the office for seventeen years . They had ' now 867 Masons under the banners of
the nineteen lodges in the Province of Somerset , and of these seventy-two were initiated and foity-four had joined from other lodges during the past year . He entertained no doubt , in fact he conf dently believed , that not only an increase of numbers but quality had been looked after , and that the greatest possible care had been exercised in all the lodges with regard to the selection of good and
upright men for initiation . Such an accession would add strength to the Order , and their Treasurer knew it also added to the funds . He thought , therefore , he was justified in congratulating Ihose assembled in the Prov . Grand Lodge upon the extremely satisfactory position of affairs generally . The D . Prov . G . M . then said it became his pleasant
duty to invest those officers who had already been appointed for the ensuing year , and whose names had been submitted to and approved of by lhe M . W . Prov . G . M ., the Earl of Carnarvon . The list of newly-appointed officers , who were invested , is as follows : — Dr . Samuel Bryant , P . M . lOQfi Prov . G . S . W .
George Ricks , P . M . 135 Prov . G . J . W . Rev . T . L . Challen , 973 Prov . G . Chap . Rev . Francis Reed , 2 G 1 Prov . G . Chap . E . T . Payne , P . M . <_ 3- Prov . G . Treas H . A . Simmons , P . M . 53 Prov . G . Reg . F . K . Prideaux , P . M . 291 Prov . G . Sec . Edward Bath , P . M . 772 Prov . G . S . D .
C . L . F . Edwards , P . M . 1199 Prov . G . J . D . W . M . Forty , P . M . 291 Prov . G . S . of W . W . Clarke , P . M . 2 S 5 ; ; Prov . G . D . of C . S . Jones , P . M . 1222 Prov . G . Asst . D . C George H . Cook , W . M . 379 Prov . G . S . B . Thomas J . Leaman , P . M . 1197 Prov . G . Org . John Milbornc , P . M . 329 Prov . G . Purst .
John Fry , P . M . 4 ^ 7 Prov . G . Ast . Purst A . Villar , W . M . 2 O 1 , John T . Dunsford , Sec . 291 , F . Wilkinson , S . W . 41 , J . C . Hunt , W . M . 135 , W . Hickman , J . W . 135 , John Hughes , 814 Prov . G . Stewards W . Woodward , 291 Prov . G . Tyler .
A . J . Carter Prov . G . Ast . Tyler . The Prov . Grand Secretary next read the report of the Charity Organisation Committee of Somerset for the past year , the same being approved of and adopted on the motion of Bro . Reeves ( Weston-super-Mare ) , seconded by Bro . Rev . W . W . Martin . . Bro . Payne moved , " That the thanks of the Prov . G .
Lodge are eminently due , and are hereby accorded , to our esteemed V . W . D . P . G . M . ( Bro . Else ) , for the care , kindness , and attention he has bestowed in carrying out the work of the Charity Organisation Committee . " Bro . Ashley seconded the proposition , which was submitted to the meeting by Lord Donoughmore and agreed to by acclamation .
Bro . fclse , in acknowledging the vote ot thanks , expressed the pleasure it afforded him to assist in carrying out the work in question , which he thought to be the very essence of Masonry . He then proposed a vote of thanks to the eminent Masons who had that day attended the lodge . They were especially indebted to Lord Donoughmore , who had come there by the special invitation of Lord Carnarvon to represent the reasons which had prevented his
lordship from honouring them with his presence , and also to Bro . Homfray , the D . P . G . M . of Monmouthshire , who had also come from a distance , and he moved that the thanks of the Prov . Lodge be presented to them , and that the vote be entered on the minutes of that day ' s proceedings . Bro . Inskip seconded the motion , which was agreed to . Bro . Lord Donoughmore , in acknowledging the compliment , said that as it had been the means of bringing
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Somerset.
him amongst them he was , perhaps , the one who should feel the least regret at the absence of the Earl of Carnar . von . He should not fail to convey to his lordshi p the deep regret which he knew was experienced by them all and which he was certain was fully shared by his lordship , at his unavoidable absence , caused entirely by the pressure of his official work . He ( Lord Donoughmore ) should
not forget to mention the extreme kindness and cordiality with which he had been received , and for which he returned them his very sincere thanks . It afforded him great pleasure to come there , for two reasons —in the first place , because it had given him the opportunity , he hoped , of rendering some slight service to the noble brother who presided over that province ; and
secondly , because it had afforded him the opportunity of attending the Provincial Grand Lodge of Somerset , and meeting there so large a muster of his brethren . It was very gratifying to him to think that his name was to be recorded on the minutes of such a lodge . Bro . Homfray , D . P . G . M . of Monmouthshire , also re . turned thanks for the kindness with which he had been
received on that , as on previous occasions , in the Provincial Grand Lodge of Somerset . If any of the brethren of the province would care to visit the one which he represented they / might , he said , rely upon it that the right hand of fellowship would be held out to them . Bro . E . T . Payne , Pre v . G . Treasurer , proposed that the sum of ten sruineas bc civen from the alms fund to the
trustees of the Bridgwater Infirmary . Bro . Prideaux , Prov . G . Secretary , seconded the proposition , which he said had been suggested by him as being connected with the infirmary , and it was unanimously agreed to . The lodge was then closed . The banquet , which immediately afterwards took place
in the Royal Clarence Hotel Assembly Room , was attended by about one hundred brethren , including nearly the whole of the Past and Present P . G . Officers . The V . W . D . Prov . G . M ., Bro . It . C . Else , occupied the chair , being supported by Lord Donoughmore and Bro . Homfray , the D . Prov . G . M . of Monmouthshire ; the Vice-Presidents being the P . G . S . W ., Bro . Dr . Bryant , and the
P . G . J . W ., Bro . lticks . The D . Prov . G . M . having proposed the first toast , " The Queen and the Craft , " which was loyally responded to , Bro . Lord Donoughmore proposed " The M . W . Grand Master , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales . " His lordship remarked that when thev remembered the exalted station
of H . R . H ., his excellent social qualities , and the manner in which he had endeared himself to all with whom he came into contact , they ought to feel thankful that he had accepted [ the proud position he now held in Masonry . No allusion appeared as yet to have been made in this province to tbe very successful foreign tour which H . R . H . recently completed , but he was perfectly ' certain that the
feeling of Somersetshire men was the same as in other parts of the nation , namely , one of great satisfaction at the success which attended his visit to India , and ol gratitude for his saic return to this country . ( Applause . ) The D . Prov . G . M . next proposed " The M . W . Pro Grand Master of England ; the M . W . D . G . M . Lord Skelmersdale . and the Officers of the Grand Lodge , Past and
Present . " He remarked upon the importance of having at the head of such a lodge a staff of officers who were thoroughly efficient , and said he was perfectly satisfied that in their Pro or acting Grand Master ( the Earl of Carnarvon ) they had the very best officer that could be selected throughout the length and breadth of the land , foi in himtheyjhad an eminent statesman , a distinguished
nobleman , and a faithful and true Mason . In the Deputy Grand Master they had also the rig ht man in the right place . With regard lo the officers of the Grand Lodge , their visits to this province were like those of the angels , being few and far between ; but what , on this occasion , they lacked in quantity they had in quality . Reserving for a special toast the name of Lord Donoughmore , he
should couple with this one the names of their estimable P . G . Treasurer , Bro . Payne , and his excellent friend from Newport , Bro . Homfray , the D . Prov . G . M . of Monmouthshire . Bro . Payne , in responding , alluded to the attention that was being given by the Grand Lodge to the manner in whirVi IIIPV should commemorate the prosperous journey
of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales to India , which had , he believed , cemented more firmly the bonds of union between her people and those of England . Some difficulty had been experienced in dealing with this question , not that there was the least hesitation as to the money which should be expended , but simply as to the mode in which it should be expended , some being in favour of a
great national edifice being erected , and others thinking that it should take the form of education . The matter was still sub-judice , and he had no doubt it would be well considered , and that in due time a report would be brought up in which there would be pointed out a very proper and appropriate method of indicating their feeling of thankfulness , and showing to future generations the manner in
which they regained their present Grand Master . ( Applause . ) Bro . Homfray having also acknowledged the last toast , The D . Prov . G . M . said in consequence of the unfortunately enforced absence of the Provincial Grand Master , they were favoured with the company of Lord Donoug hmore . ( Applause . ) He ( the speaker ) was perfectly satisfied that he was uttering the sentiments of all the brethren . to
present when he said they felt very thankful indeed Ins lordship for having travelled so many miles to come there and to tell them personally how much Lord Carn arvon regretted his inability to attend , and that they considered it au additional honour when they remembered that Lorn Donoughmore at the present moment occupied the posi . i ?" of Senior Warden of England . Addressing his lordship , Bro . Else remarked that Somersetshire men had strong
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Somerset.
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF SOMERSET .
On Friday week a large and influential meeting of Freemasons took place in Bridgwater , which was this year selected for the holding of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Somerset , under the banner of the Lodge of Perpetual Friendship ( No . 135 ) , the head quarters of which are established at the Royal Clarence Hotel . The
Town Hall was handsomely and elaborately fitted up as a lodge-room , chiefly under the direction of the W . M . ( Brother J . C . Hunt ) and I . P . M . ( Bro . G . Ricks ) , of the above-named lodge . The services of Messrs . Davis and Son , Fore-street , Mr . Willi ? , St . Mary-strcct , who erected a fountain in the centre of the hall , and Mr . S . Dyer , nurseryman , who lent a large number of shrubs , feins ,
& c ., and other tradesmen , were called into requisition , and their contributions and workmanship , combined with the use of the Masonic shields belonging to the Bridgwater Lodge , and the banners of the respective lodges in the province , served to make the decorations very pretty and effective . At the rear of the platform were a splendid portrait of H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , the M . W . Grand
Master of England , and beautiful views of the Royal Masonic Institutions for Boys and Girls . In anticipation oE the visit of the M . W . the Rig ht Hon . Earl of Carnarvon , Pro Grand Master of England ( Provincial Grand Master ' , there was a large muster , and most of the distinguished brethren in the province , including the present as well as the past P . G . Officers , were present . To the
great disappointment of the brethren , however , his lordship did not attend the meeting , Lord Donoughmore , the Senior Grand Warden of England , being the bearer of a letter expressive of the deep regret experienced by his lordship at his inability to be present , a pressure of his official engagements preventing it . The lodge was opened at half nast one o ' clock under the able
presidency of Brother It . C . Else , the V . W . D . P . G . M ., who was supported on his right by Lord Donoughmore , the S . G . W . of England , and Bro . S . Geo . Homfray , the D . P . G . M . of Monmouthshire . The whole of the seats in the body of the hall , as well as on the temporary platform which had been constructed , were cccupied , the brethren of the various lodges being ranged under their respective
banners . The present officers of the P . G . Lodge in attendance were Bros . S . W . Preston ( Bath ) , P . G . S . W . ; A . Perkins ( Wells ) , P . G . J . W .-, Robert C . Bailey , P . G , Chaplain ; E . Turner Payne ( Bath ) , P . G . Treasurer ; W . Cox , P . G . Registrar ; F . R . Prideaux ( Bridgwater ) , P . M . 291 , P . G . Secretary ; W . H . May , P . M . 135
( Bridgwater ) , P . G . S . D . ; J . A . Bright , P . G . S . Works ; R . Baker , P . G . Dir . Cer . ; P . S . Saunders , P . Assist . G . D . C . ; W . Long , P . G . S . B . ; Albert Down , P . G . O . ; W . Channing ( Taunton ) , P . G . Pursuivant ; W . Woodward ( Burnham ) , P . G . Tyler ; A . J . Salter , P . Assist . G . Tyler ; George Ricks and R . Treliving ( Bridgwater ) ; II . ]' . Tayler , and A . W . Butley , P . G . Stwds .
1 he other brethren present included representatives of lhe following lodges : —Royal Cumberland , Bath , No . 41 ; Royal Sussex , Bath , No . 53 ; Perpetual Friendship , Bridgwater , No . 135 ; Unanimity and Sincerity , Taunton , No . 2 G 1 ; Love and Honour , Shepton Mallet , No . 285 ; Rural Philanthropic , Highbvidgc , No . 291 ; Brotherly Love , Yeovil , No .
329 ; Lodge of Honour , Bath , No . 379 ; Lodge of Science , Wincanton , No . 437 ; Benevolent Lodge , Wells , No . . ( 4 ( 1 ; Pilgrims , Glastonbury , No . 772 : Parret and Axe , Crcwkcrnc , No . 814 ; Royal Albert Edward , Weston , No . 906 ; Royal Somerset , Frome , No . 973 ; Royal Clarence , Bruton , No . 97 6 ; Nyanza , Ilminster , No . UQ 7 ; Lodge of Agriculture , Congresbury , No .
111 ) 9 ; St . Kew , Weston-Super-Mare , No . 1222 ; Vale of Bridlington , No . 1296 . Amongst the brethren present , who attended as visitors , not belonging to any lodge in the province , were Bros . Rev . George Knowling , P . M . 189 , P . G . Chaplain ( Devon ); George T . Pain , P ' . J . G . D . No . 410 ; J . McGowan , Nova Scotia ; Alexander Baily , jun ., No . 444 ; Percy
P . Hunt , 493 ; and A . Pratt , P . M . No . 22 . A choral party , under the conouctorship oi Brother C . Lucttte ( choir master of St . Mary ' s , Bridgwater ) , took up a position upon the platform , behind the seat of the P . G . S . W ., and was composed of the following brethren : —Bros Drayton ( vicar ' s choral at Wells Cathedral ) , Dr . Winterbotham , I-I . W . Baltcn , J . Parker , J . Treliving ,
W . L . Leng and G . Bond ( Bridgwater ) , J . Hutscn ( East Brent ) , and Jas . Turlc , Taunton . Brother W . Bayley Marshall , of Bridgwater , Organist of "the Rural Philanthropic , " No . 291 , presided at his own harmonium with great ability , and the anthems , & c ., ( in which Brother Drayton took part of bass solo ) , were effectively rendered . Brother Else , the V . W . D . P . G . M ., in opening the lodge ,
expressed the regret he was sure they all experienced that the Earl of Carnarvon , AI . W . Provincial Grand Master of Somerset , had been prevented from attending , and read the letter just received from his lordship , who stated that it was with the greatest regret he was unable to be present , and that public business of an important nature detained him in London , but that he indulged the hope
that he might have an opportunity , later in the year , of visiting his brethren in the province . Lord Donoughmore , having been introduced by the D . P . G . M ., explained that he had been requested by the Earl of Carnarvon to attend for the purpose of further expressing the sincere regret felt by his lordship in being unexpectedly , at the last moment , detained in town ; and remarked that he could readily understand the
disappointment they all felt m consequence . The lodge having been duly opened , Brother F . R . Prideaux , P . G . Secretary , called over the roll of the lodges in the province , nineteen in number , and fnnnd they were all represented . The Prov . G . Secretary next read the minutes of the rov . G . Lodge held al Wells , on the Otli September , last ar , and they were confirmed and signed .
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Somerset.
Brother E . T . Payne ( P . G . Treasurer ) next read a statement of accounts for the past year , showing a balance in hand amounting to £ 170 is iod . The correctness of these accounts having been certified by bro . Perkins , P . G . J . W ., who , with other brethren , had audited them , they were received and adopted on the proposition of Brother Inskip , seconded by Brother Wm .
Cox . Bro . Bartrum ( Bath ) suggested that the P . G . Lodge should pay the expenses of its meetings , instead of these being thrown upon the lodge established in the town they met in . The matter was briefly discussed , and attention drawn to the fact that it could not be entertained , inasmuch as no notice had been given of it on the agenda
paper . Bro . Stothert ( Bath ) said his experience was that all lodges esteemed it a high honour that the P . G . Lodge should be held under their banner . ( Hear hear ' . ) The subject then dropped . On the motion of Bro . Perkins , P . G . J . W ., seconded by Bro . Meyler ( Taunton ) , it | was resolved that such a sum as might be necessary to increase the funded property of
the province to the sum of £ 450 should be devoted out of the balance in the Treasurer ' s hands . On the motion of Bro . Perkins , seconded by Bro . Payne it was also resolved that tha sum of ten guineas be en ' trusted to the hands of such brethren as would serve the province in the office of Stewards in the three Masonic charities during the ensuing year , as a donation from the
Provincial Grand Lodge . The D . P . G . M . having declared all offices vacant , Bro . Inskip proposed , and Bio . Dr . Woodforde seconded , the re-election of Bro . E . T . Payne as Prov . G . Treasurer . They both expressed trie indebtedness of the lodge to Bro . Payne for the valuable services he had rendered in that capacity for so many years , and the D . P . G . M . in
submitting the resolution , said it would be perfectly impossible to elect any brother more competent to discharge the arduous and responsible duties than their highly-esteemed Biri . Payne , whose re-election was agreed to with acclamation . Bro . Payne , in acknowledging the compliment , said he had been elected unanimously to the office for seventeen years . They had ' now 867 Masons under the banners of
the nineteen lodges in the Province of Somerset , and of these seventy-two were initiated and foity-four had joined from other lodges during the past year . He entertained no doubt , in fact he conf dently believed , that not only an increase of numbers but quality had been looked after , and that the greatest possible care had been exercised in all the lodges with regard to the selection of good and
upright men for initiation . Such an accession would add strength to the Order , and their Treasurer knew it also added to the funds . He thought , therefore , he was justified in congratulating Ihose assembled in the Prov . Grand Lodge upon the extremely satisfactory position of affairs generally . The D . Prov . G . M . then said it became his pleasant
duty to invest those officers who had already been appointed for the ensuing year , and whose names had been submitted to and approved of by lhe M . W . Prov . G . M ., the Earl of Carnarvon . The list of newly-appointed officers , who were invested , is as follows : — Dr . Samuel Bryant , P . M . lOQfi Prov . G . S . W .
George Ricks , P . M . 135 Prov . G . J . W . Rev . T . L . Challen , 973 Prov . G . Chap . Rev . Francis Reed , 2 G 1 Prov . G . Chap . E . T . Payne , P . M . <_ 3- Prov . G . Treas H . A . Simmons , P . M . 53 Prov . G . Reg . F . K . Prideaux , P . M . 291 Prov . G . Sec . Edward Bath , P . M . 772 Prov . G . S . D .
C . L . F . Edwards , P . M . 1199 Prov . G . J . D . W . M . Forty , P . M . 291 Prov . G . S . of W . W . Clarke , P . M . 2 S 5 ; ; Prov . G . D . of C . S . Jones , P . M . 1222 Prov . G . Asst . D . C George H . Cook , W . M . 379 Prov . G . S . B . Thomas J . Leaman , P . M . 1197 Prov . G . Org . John Milbornc , P . M . 329 Prov . G . Purst .
John Fry , P . M . 4 ^ 7 Prov . G . Ast . Purst A . Villar , W . M . 2 O 1 , John T . Dunsford , Sec . 291 , F . Wilkinson , S . W . 41 , J . C . Hunt , W . M . 135 , W . Hickman , J . W . 135 , John Hughes , 814 Prov . G . Stewards W . Woodward , 291 Prov . G . Tyler .
A . J . Carter Prov . G . Ast . Tyler . The Prov . Grand Secretary next read the report of the Charity Organisation Committee of Somerset for the past year , the same being approved of and adopted on the motion of Bro . Reeves ( Weston-super-Mare ) , seconded by Bro . Rev . W . W . Martin . . Bro . Payne moved , " That the thanks of the Prov . G .
Lodge are eminently due , and are hereby accorded , to our esteemed V . W . D . P . G . M . ( Bro . Else ) , for the care , kindness , and attention he has bestowed in carrying out the work of the Charity Organisation Committee . " Bro . Ashley seconded the proposition , which was submitted to the meeting by Lord Donoughmore and agreed to by acclamation .
Bro . fclse , in acknowledging the vote ot thanks , expressed the pleasure it afforded him to assist in carrying out the work in question , which he thought to be the very essence of Masonry . He then proposed a vote of thanks to the eminent Masons who had that day attended the lodge . They were especially indebted to Lord Donoughmore , who had come there by the special invitation of Lord Carnarvon to represent the reasons which had prevented his
lordship from honouring them with his presence , and also to Bro . Homfray , the D . P . G . M . of Monmouthshire , who had also come from a distance , and he moved that the thanks of the Prov . Lodge be presented to them , and that the vote be entered on the minutes of that day ' s proceedings . Bro . Inskip seconded the motion , which was agreed to . Bro . Lord Donoughmore , in acknowledging the compliment , said that as it had been the means of bringing
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Somerset.
him amongst them he was , perhaps , the one who should feel the least regret at the absence of the Earl of Carnar . von . He should not fail to convey to his lordshi p the deep regret which he knew was experienced by them all and which he was certain was fully shared by his lordship , at his unavoidable absence , caused entirely by the pressure of his official work . He ( Lord Donoughmore ) should
not forget to mention the extreme kindness and cordiality with which he had been received , and for which he returned them his very sincere thanks . It afforded him great pleasure to come there , for two reasons —in the first place , because it had given him the opportunity , he hoped , of rendering some slight service to the noble brother who presided over that province ; and
secondly , because it had afforded him the opportunity of attending the Provincial Grand Lodge of Somerset , and meeting there so large a muster of his brethren . It was very gratifying to him to think that his name was to be recorded on the minutes of such a lodge . Bro . Homfray , D . P . G . M . of Monmouthshire , also re . turned thanks for the kindness with which he had been
received on that , as on previous occasions , in the Provincial Grand Lodge of Somerset . If any of the brethren of the province would care to visit the one which he represented they / might , he said , rely upon it that the right hand of fellowship would be held out to them . Bro . E . T . Payne , Pre v . G . Treasurer , proposed that the sum of ten sruineas bc civen from the alms fund to the
trustees of the Bridgwater Infirmary . Bro . Prideaux , Prov . G . Secretary , seconded the proposition , which he said had been suggested by him as being connected with the infirmary , and it was unanimously agreed to . The lodge was then closed . The banquet , which immediately afterwards took place
in the Royal Clarence Hotel Assembly Room , was attended by about one hundred brethren , including nearly the whole of the Past and Present P . G . Officers . The V . W . D . Prov . G . M ., Bro . It . C . Else , occupied the chair , being supported by Lord Donoughmore and Bro . Homfray , the D . Prov . G . M . of Monmouthshire ; the Vice-Presidents being the P . G . S . W ., Bro . Dr . Bryant , and the
P . G . J . W ., Bro . lticks . The D . Prov . G . M . having proposed the first toast , " The Queen and the Craft , " which was loyally responded to , Bro . Lord Donoughmore proposed " The M . W . Grand Master , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales . " His lordship remarked that when thev remembered the exalted station
of H . R . H ., his excellent social qualities , and the manner in which he had endeared himself to all with whom he came into contact , they ought to feel thankful that he had accepted [ the proud position he now held in Masonry . No allusion appeared as yet to have been made in this province to tbe very successful foreign tour which H . R . H . recently completed , but he was perfectly ' certain that the
feeling of Somersetshire men was the same as in other parts of the nation , namely , one of great satisfaction at the success which attended his visit to India , and ol gratitude for his saic return to this country . ( Applause . ) The D . Prov . G . M . next proposed " The M . W . Pro Grand Master of England ; the M . W . D . G . M . Lord Skelmersdale . and the Officers of the Grand Lodge , Past and
Present . " He remarked upon the importance of having at the head of such a lodge a staff of officers who were thoroughly efficient , and said he was perfectly satisfied that in their Pro or acting Grand Master ( the Earl of Carnarvon ) they had the very best officer that could be selected throughout the length and breadth of the land , foi in himtheyjhad an eminent statesman , a distinguished
nobleman , and a faithful and true Mason . In the Deputy Grand Master they had also the rig ht man in the right place . With regard lo the officers of the Grand Lodge , their visits to this province were like those of the angels , being few and far between ; but what , on this occasion , they lacked in quantity they had in quality . Reserving for a special toast the name of Lord Donoughmore , he
should couple with this one the names of their estimable P . G . Treasurer , Bro . Payne , and his excellent friend from Newport , Bro . Homfray , the D . Prov . G . M . of Monmouthshire . Bro . Payne , in responding , alluded to the attention that was being given by the Grand Lodge to the manner in whirVi IIIPV should commemorate the prosperous journey
of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales to India , which had , he believed , cemented more firmly the bonds of union between her people and those of England . Some difficulty had been experienced in dealing with this question , not that there was the least hesitation as to the money which should be expended , but simply as to the mode in which it should be expended , some being in favour of a
great national edifice being erected , and others thinking that it should take the form of education . The matter was still sub-judice , and he had no doubt it would be well considered , and that in due time a report would be brought up in which there would be pointed out a very proper and appropriate method of indicating their feeling of thankfulness , and showing to future generations the manner in
which they regained their present Grand Master . ( Applause . ) Bro . Homfray having also acknowledged the last toast , The D . Prov . G . M . said in consequence of the unfortunately enforced absence of the Provincial Grand Master , they were favoured with the company of Lord Donoug hmore . ( Applause . ) He ( the speaker ) was perfectly satisfied that he was uttering the sentiments of all the brethren . to
present when he said they felt very thankful indeed Ins lordship for having travelled so many miles to come there and to tell them personally how much Lord Carn arvon regretted his inability to attend , and that they considered it au additional honour when they remembered that Lorn Donoughmore at the present moment occupied the posi . i ?" of Senior Warden of England . Addressing his lordship , Bro . Else remarked that Somersetshire men had strong